Red Fruit Copic Coloring Tutorial

Here's that Copic fruit coloring tutorial I promised, on how to color the red fruits on THIS card -- all stamps are from Lockhart Stamp Company (Strawberries #2067, Apples in Chintz Bowl #2054, and Cherries in Colander #2077) and were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink onto Neenah Solar White cardstock.  Since I would only be using a portion of these images for Inchies on the card, that's why you'll see a square box penciled over the stamped images.  Some of the fruits outside of the boxes I tested for different colors, so that's why they may vary from the fruits/colors inside the boxes. 

All of the fruits used these Copic Sketch markerrs.  The strange looking YR31 on the lower right end is a custom color, mixed with about one-third YR31 and two-thirds Colorless Blender fluid, to make a lighter YR31 shade.  You can do this by filling an empty sketch marker, which are usually available for sale at most retailers that carry Copic products.  Remember, for best shading results use at least two, if not three, different shades in the same color family:

 

You can see a closer view of any of these photos, by clicking on them.

STRAWBERRIES #2067:

This color choice may sound/look strange, but trust me -- it works!  Remember, the berries outside of the box were tests and are completed -- I'm working on the berries within the penciled box.  First, color the strawberry tops with RV02:

 

Next, using a medium shade of R35, color the middles of the strawberries and up onto a little bit of the RV02.  (I know in the photo below the RV02 tops are not showing up very well -- I had to lighten my photo quite a bit, but it's still there):

   

Next, I used the darker R37 on the bottoms of the berries and generally along the left sides, where darker shadows would naturally be.  I usually visualize my light source coming from the upper right corner, just about where the marker is placed in the photo below.  Since I'm right handed, it's easier for me to color darker on the left sides of objects:

 

Next, I came back with the mid-toned R35 and blended the lower lines where the R35 meets the R37.  With the RV02, I blended the mid R35 up into the RV02 -- this will move some of the R35 color up into the RV02 and darken/soften it a bit.  I like the pink-toned berry tops a little better than left just white -- I think it's a bit more realistic.  But if you prefer whiter tops, you can use the Colorless Blender marker for this last step, instead of using the RV02 to blend:

 

Last step is to color the leaves with G21 and YG63:

 

As you can see in the first large marker photo above, I finished the strawberry bowl with E13 and R35.  The lower green background was created by blending G20 and G21 together:

APPLES IN CHINTZ BOWL #2054:

Of course, apples can be all sorts of colors, but I kept mine in the red theme of my card.  I began by coloring the tops of the apples with my custom lighter YR31 (again the apples on the outside of the penciled box are finished or practice colors, I'm working on the apples within the box):

 

Then I used the same R35 from the strawberries above, and again, colored the middles of the apples:

 

Next, I used R37 again on the lower portions of the apples:

 

Then, same as with the strawberries, I came back with the mid-toned R35 and blended the lines between R35 and R37 -- I've done that on the left two apples within the box, leaving the right two apples unblended so you can tell the difference:

 

The next steps were the same as with the strawberries, except using the custom YR31 as the final blending step around the tops of the apples.  Same G21 and YG63 were used for the leaves and E25 for the stems.  The chintz bowl was also colored with the same greens, YR21, and YR23.  The top background above the apples was colored with E13 and E50.

 

CHERRIES IN COLANDER #2077:

The cherries were colored a little differently.  I started with the mid-toned R35 and quickly colored in each cherry -- leaving a little white showing is okay:

 

Then I used the RV02 and just gently pressed the tip of the marker wherever I wanted a lighter highlight in the cherries -- again, usually at the very tops or right top sides of the cherries.  The lighter pink will gently push away the darker red ink already laid down, creating a subtle light spot in the fruit:

 

Next, I used the darker R37 to give some darker shadows/low lights to the bottoms and left sides of the cherries:

 

The final step was to go back with the mid-toned R35 and quickly blend away any tell-tale harsh lines.  The same greens were used on these leaves and lower right background as well, and YR21, YR23 and E13 were used on the colander:

 

I hope these tips were clear and informative but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments to this post and I'll answer them for you.  Thanks!

Comments

[Christyne]

1.

WOW!!! These are just STUNNING! I love seeing how you do the blending. Thanks!

[chriss blagrave]

2.

Thank you, thank you! I now understand a little bit more ;)

[Liann]

3.

These are so awesome..thank you for explaining the blending...i definitely need to practice

[Cindy Key]

4.

Thank you! Thank you! A million times over, thank you! I have seen plenty of Copic tutorials, but never one of fruit! I love using my fruit stamps and I can't thank you enough for such detail.

[Carol West]

5.

After struggling with what colors to use and how to blend, I can't thank you enough for sharing this tutorial and look forward to learning more with you. This is absolutely fantastic!!! What a talented person you are.

[sherry vogt]

6.

Beautiful! I just took the copics class last weekend in PA, and all of this now makes sense to me!! LOL...thanks for the reinforcements! Somewhere these is a list of your favorite marker list? Is it posted on here? I am starting to acquire my copic markers, and don't want to buy pre-made sets. Thanks again for the help with copic markers, they truly are amazing!

[Sharri]

7.

The fruits look awesome! Thank you for explaining the blending!

[CherylQuilts at SCS]

8.

I don't have Copics, but this sure helps in general. Thanks, Sharon!

[Suzy]

9.

Fabulous tutorial!

It was so lovely meeting you at CHA during the JUSTRITE make and take. You have been a stampin idol for years :)

Suzy

[Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye)]

10.

Sensational colors - fabulous blending! Sigh. I read your every word - despite not owning a single Copic. Maybe someday I'll win some Copic markers. You never know. And when I do win some Copics, I'll know exactly how to use them!

[melanie]

11.

Just like the previous 10 comments said, "Fabulous, thank you so much" It took a lot of your time to make this tutorial. Thanks for being the type of person who likes to share knowledge and teach others.
Melanie

[Kraftyaunt]

12.

I was so excited to see the colors you used. I had just bought several of the shades you show here!!! {Which made me feel at least like I thought I knew what I was doing! :->} And, I also have those Lockhart stamps... so now the ball is back in my court to get out there and practice, practice, practice. Thanks for great pictures along with your explanation. While videos seem to be the in thing, I still appreciate the old fashioned photo shoot instructions. It allows me to stare and study and not worry that I've missed something in the audio. Your teaching skills are fantastic and you explain in a very understandable format. I sincerely appreciate your time and your talent! Thank you very, very much.

[Karen]

13.

Fabulous tutorial, you make it seem so easy :)The apples look amazing delicious!

[Juanita in Ohio]

14.

FANTASTIC work!! You put so much into it. Thank you for the wonderful tutorial and TFS.

[Charlene]

15.

Sharon, Even though I have Prismacolor markers in lieu of Copics (budget), the tutorial is so helpful. Same basic principles. I know how much time it takes to photograph and edit each picture. Appreciate the gift of your time.

[Linda C.]

16.

Thanks Sharon for sharing the details of your coloring! Your blending is perfect!

[melissa (javagirl984)]

17.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share this. I am still working on blending and this tutorial will definately help me. I love the card you used the inchies on. Beautiful!

[shirlann]

18.

These are beautiful and thanks for taking the time to share! I bought these stamps particularly to start with my copic markers...now I can't wait to do some cards!

[Leslie Miller]

19.

Oooooooh, look at all those beautiful colors! I love colors! Thanks for a great tutorial, Sharon. I know I can apply this info to my Prismacolor markers. I love using them, but I'm still pretty slow. When I grow up, maybe I'll try some Copics.

[diane mcvey]

20.

You are wonderful to take so much time to help us! Thanks for showing the step by step coloring method...SO helpful to me! I totally appreciate what you do! :D

[Anna Wight (SweetMissDaisy)]

21.

deeeeeee-lish!

[asela]

22.

Love your Tutorial. The images turned out yummy.

[Shel9999]

23.

Holy cow, Sharon. You're coloring is amazing!

[pat]

24.

This was just wonderful. i have 137 copic markers and cannot use any of them with even some slight confidence until i read this today. Thanks so much.

[Gerry Fernandez]

25.

This is my first time on your site and a beautiful begininig, I really got so much out of it!

[Diane Garland]

26.

First timer, just starting with copic markers.I'm hooked to your site. Thanks

[Kathi Bobb]

27.

Beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.

[Pamela Knopf]

28.

Thank you so very much for providing lessons on your site! I have just begun "collecting" the Copic Markers and am extremely hooked! I am still hoping to will the lottery one day so I can purchase every color!!! Blessings to you and keep posting.